Jammu, Mar 4: The mapping and demarcation of wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir is in progress and is set to be completed by the end of March, announced Forest Minister Javad Ahmad Rana on Tuesday. The initiative aims to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure the ecological preservation of the region’s fragile wetland ecosystems.
Responding to a starred question raised by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para regarding government measures taken in the past two years to protect depleting wetlands, Rana stated that the forest department has undertaken a systematic mapping process utilizing remote sensing technology. The initiative also involves on-ground verification and demarcation efforts, carried out in collaboration with the Revenue and Wildlife Departments, specifically for wetlands spanning over 2.25 hectares, in compliance with Supreme Court directives.
“The mapping and demarcation process is actively underway, and we are on track to complete it by March-end,” the minister confirmed.
As per the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, brief documents detailing the status and management of six wetlands in J&K have been prepared by district working groups. Among them, reports for four wetlands—Ahansur-Waskursar Wetland Complex, Sanasar Lake, Khushalsar and Gilsar Lake (complex), and Anchar and Rakh-i-Kujar (complex)—are in the final stages of approval. Meanwhile, reports on Manasbal Lake and Narkara wetlands are currently under review by the technical committee.
To further enhance wetland protection, the government established district wetland management units on December 19, headed by the respective deputy commissioners. These units are tasked with implementing conservation strategies and overseeing the sustainable management of wetlands across the region.
In response to another query regarding the environmental impact assessment of a proposed road for the annual Amarnath Yatra via Baltal and Pahalgam routes, Rana stated that the tracks leading to the revered cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas have been developed in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directives issued on December 13, 2012.
With the wetland mapping and demarcation nearing completion, authorities aim to strengthen conservation policies, regulate developmental activities, and safeguard the biodiversity and ecological balance of Jammu and Kashmir’s wetlands.